They referred to as it an engineering marvel, and it was, even by at present’s requirements.
The aqueduct venture to deliver contemporary water 160 miles — from the Sierra Nevada’s Hetch Hetchy Valley to the Bay Space — took 24 years to construct and price $102 million and the lives of dozens of development employees.
On Oct. 28, 1934, crowds from San Francisco gathered on the Peninsula to see and listen to the primary bursts of mountain water. “With vivid reminiscences of the hearth that had raged unchecked after the Nice Earthquake of 1906, the town rejoiced in its new safe, plentiful provide of high-quality ingesting water,” the S.F. Water Co. web site says of the general public response.
Initially a picket temple marked the spot the place the water flowed into Crystal Springs Reservoir. A number of years later, it was changed by a stone temple close by, designed within the Beaux Arts fashion that featured Greco-Roman architectural parts from centuries earlier than. Corinthian columns. Landscaped grounds. A reflecting pool. It’s a imaginative and prescient straight out of a Maxfield Parrish portray — and a romantic spot for picnics or contemplation.
Throughout the bay there’s an identical monument, the Sunol Water Temple, inbuilt 1910 and likewise a hanging Beaux Arts design with Corinthian columns.
Sarcastically, “temple” was a phrase naturalist John Muir used throughout his years-long battle in opposition to the damming of Hetch Hetchy, a sister valley to Yosemite. He referred to as it “a grand panorama backyard, considered one of nature’s rarest and most valuable mountain temples.” The controversy continues to this present day — ought to Hetch Hetchy be returned to its pure state? — making Pulgas an ideal spot for a “what if” dialogue amongst you conservationists and historical past buffs when you picnic.
The picnic: Cease at a Redwood Metropolis delicatessen — Prima Deli, which is open day by day on Roosevelt Avenue, or Taza Deli & Cafe, weekdays solely, on Broadway — to select up sandwiches and sides. Or head to Woodside for the Village Bakery‘s farmers market salads and a loaf of artisan bread.
The main points: The temple grounds and parking zone — 56 Cañada Street, Redwood Metropolis — are open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (besides federal holidays). On weekends, there may be entry for pedestrians, bikers and hikers throughout those self same hours, however the parking zone is closed. Wish to maintain your marriage ceremony at this scenic spot? Discover info right here: https://sfpuc.org/studying/come-visit/pulgas-water-temple. (The Sunol Water Temple is scheduled to reopen later this spring.)
Extras: Because you’re lower than a mile from the Filoli Property & Gardens, it will be a disgrace to not make this journey a two-fer. One thing’s at all times blooming at this 654-ace Historic Belief property. In springtime, the 1000's of daffodils and tulips are gorgeous. Throughout summer time, 150 completely different rose varieties bloom. Examine https://filoli.org for seminars and particular occasions, and when you've got children with you, obtain the Household Exercise Information, which features a five-senses scavenger hunt.